How it is: Colorful psychic intrigue appears in couple's auras

MY HUSBAND, Jeff, and I were on our way to Sacramento early one morning 25 years ago. We had no idea that something would happen that day that we would still be talking about years later.

I was on my way to an all-day planning meeting for an organization that I worked with in Marin. Jeff decided to come along and take the opportunity to browse in the antique stores.

He was driving and I was watching carefully for the turn-off to downtown Sacramento. Then I saw the big sign on a motel along the highway — Psychic Fair — and a few smaller signs pointing to "Readings" and "Booths."

"Let's go there on our way home," I said excitedly.

"No way," Jeff said, just as I expected.

He thinks anything paranormal is stupid.

We found downtown Sacramento, and Jeff let me out at the hotel where my meeting was to be held. Several hours later, when my meeting was over, I met Jeff in the lobby as agreed. We went to the car and I jumped into the driver's seat, so I could turn into the parking lot at the motel with the Psychic Fair without any discussion! I did just that and found a parking space. I was prepared to go in alone, but he surprised me by following me.

We toured the large room, checking out each booth. Jeff said little, staring into space. Then we found ourselves at the aura picture booth, fascinated by the photos on display. An aura, as I understand it, is a usually colorful, smoky halo floating around a person's head, able to be "read" by those with psychic skills. I wanted to have my picture taken, and Jeff grunted something that we assumed was an agreement.

We sat in a dark booth one at a time and the photos were taken. The attendant did some work behind a screen and then showed us these fantastic photos and gave us a holder for them. I paid her and we started to leave. She called to us.

"I just have to ask you," she said, directing her question at me. "How did he ever get you to come in here?"

I was taken aback and really unable to answer her. She evidentially concluded, after seeing our auras, that Jeff, who would have rather stayed in the car, was the one with the psychic interest and abilities and that I was along because he had somehow gotten me to go, despite my lack of interest. I have the interest, but claim no psychic abilities!

Since then, when we think about this, we are left with two choices. Was the lady completely wrong, thinking that Jeff had the psychic leanings? Or did she sense some great psychic skills that he has been utilizing while hiding them from me? Well?

Shirley Graves is a Novato resident. The IJ has been asking readers to share their stories of love, dating, parenting, marriage, friendship and other experiences for our How It Is column. All stories must not have been published in part or in its entirety previously. Send your stories of no more than 500 words to relating@marinij.com. Please write How It Is in the subject line. The IJ reserves the right to edit them for publication. Please include your full name, address and a daytime phone number.